Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday inaugurated the 41st Patna Book Fair at Gandhi Maidan, a major cultural event that will run until December 16. Organized by the Centre for Readership Development (CRD), the fair features over 200 book stalls and more than 300 literary, cultural, and public welfare events.
The theme of this year’s edition is “Wellness – A Way of Life”, and the fair has been specially dedicated to noted writer, journalist, and storyteller Awadhesh Preet, who passed away on November 12, 2025.
After lighting the ceremonial lamp, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar toured various publication stalls and also participated in the launch of a new book. Minister of State for Water Resources Vijay Kumar Chaudhary was also present on the occasion.
Highlight: World’s Costliest Manuscript on Display
One of the biggest attractions this year is the exhibition of the world’s most expensive manuscript, “Mein (I)”, valued at ₹15 crore. The manuscript is available in both Hindi and English.
Entry to the fair is free for school students and college students with valid ID cards from Monday to Friday.
Events and Activities
Visitors can look forward to a vibrant schedule, including:
- Street play: “Dhartī Ki Ākhrī Pukār”
- Public dialogue at 3 pm: “The Future of Journalism”
- Cultural performance: Baldwin Academy School Fest at 5 pm
- Cinema screening in the evening
- Popular recurring sessions such as “Kitabon Mein Shabd Uchcharit Hue” and “Gyan Aur Gurukul”
Live Zumba training sessions and several health dialogues led by medical experts will also be part of the 16-day fair, aligning with the wellness theme.
Who Was Awadhesh Preet?
Veteran storyteller, journalist, and literary figure Awadhesh Preet was born on January 13, 1958, in Taranv village, Uttar Pradesh. He passed away on November 12, 2025.
A multifaceted talent, Preet enriched both Hindi literature and journalism. A postgraduate from Kumaun University, he began his literary and theatre activities in Udham Singh Nagar before moving to Bihar in 1985, where he entered full-time journalism.
He served for several years as Assistant Editor at Dainik Hindustan, Patna, and continued to write actively after retirement.
Notable Works and Achievements
His major works include:
- Novel: Ashok Rajpath
- Story collections: Hastakshep, Nrishans, Hamzamin, Kohre Mein Kandeel
Many of his stories were translated into multiple languages including Urdu, English, Marathi, and Gujarati. Several were also staged successfully, such as:
- Nrishans (by NSD, New Delhi)
- Hamzamin (performed in Allahabad and Patna)
He was honored with several prestigious awards such as:
- Phanishwar Nath Renu Katha Samman
- Banarsi Prasad Bhojpuri Katha Samman
- Surendra Chaudhary Katha Samman
Awadhesh Preet’s demise is regarded as an irreparable loss to the world of Hindi literature. The dedication of this year’s Patna Book Fair in his memory stands as a tribute to his enduring legacy.
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